What our students say - International Politics

Holly Ryan - BSc International Politics 

 

As the end of the Summer term draws near, I find myself reflecting upon the whirlwind that has been my first year as an undergraduate at the City University. An unusual case, I enrolled on the International Politics BSc course mid-way through the Autumn term, having transferred from my initial UCAS choice. Aware that I had missed the freshers’ period as well as the first few weeks of teaching I was somewhat apprehensive about the academic and social implications of my decision to transfer. However, to my great joy, all apprehension swiftly fizzled away as I was welcomed into the exciting melting pot that is the Centre for International Politics and became alert to all the interesting events and opportunities the University has to offer.

 

The Centre for International Politics, my ‘home’ at City is the smallest division of School of Social Sciences. Despite its size, the Centre exudes character of great magnitude, with lecturers extremely diverse in background and approach, coupled with programmes of study that take a more integrative approach to global issues and interactions than is offered on most traditional International Relations courses. Rather than being stifled with dated and aggrandized classical theory, we are introduced to varied conceptual approaches and given the opportunity to explore their relation and application in history and to the contemporary international realm.

 

If anything I think that the relative smallness of the Centre for IP works to its advantage. Class sizes are small and informal, allowing for more stimulating, inclusive discussions and lecturers are accessible and always willing to offer guidance. The level and intensity of involvement that the International Politics BSc offers has not only enabled me to quickly establish an excellent group of friends, I believe it also fosters enthusiasm and motivation. This is certainly true for my friends and I who are in the process of establishing a ‘Politics Society’ with the Student Union.

 

This brings me on to another important aspect of my year, the social bit…

 

As I mentioned, I was not present for any of the freshers activities, including the freshers’ fair. Yet, when I arrived at City I was bombarded with leaflets for various cultural, academic and sports societies, all of which obviously provide a great chance for students from different disciplines to meet and share interests.

 

For a university that has such a high proportion of post-grads and commuters, City’s Student Union does provide links to a wide selection of groups and events. However, like most London based students, I have discovered that the capital is rich in diverse entertainment and great nightlife. London plays host to some of the world’s finest galleries and art collections, various museums, a wide array of restaurants and importantly, has a club catering for every musical preference from lounge music to dub to funky house. All these features are within walking distance of City’s halls of residence.